Freakonomics Radio

Ariana Simpson, a general partner at Andreessen Horowitz specializing in Web3 and crypto, joins economist Eric Budish from the University of Chicago. They dive into the aftermath of the recent crypto crash and assess the resilience of blockchain technology. Topics include the challenges of speculative investments, the transformative potential of cryptocurrencies, and the urgent need for regulatory frameworks. They also explore the evolution of blockchain beyond currency and the intersection of art and market dynamics in the crypto space.

Kevin Kelly, a senior maverick at Wired Magazine and an optimistic tech visionary, shares his unique perspectives on life. He discusses the intricate relationship between luck and success, urging listeners to embrace the unexpected. Kelly offers invaluable parenting tips while advocating for optimism in relationships. He humorously explores the idea of living for a thousand years, reflecting on how such longevity could transform our values. Plus, he dives into blockchain's promised future, suggesting it could be as revolutionary as the early internet.

Victor Matheson, an expert in sports economics, and Alan Shipnuck, a seasoned golf journalist, dive into the intriguing world of sportswashing. They explore how nations like Saudi Arabia use sporting events to enhance their global image, despite underlying human rights issues. The conversation highlights the ethical dilemmas faced by athletes and critiques the motivations behind new golf leagues challenging traditional formats. They also discuss the murky legacy of the Qatar World Cup, revealing the corruption and absurdities in hosting major events.

Amalia Miller, an economist at the University of Virginia, and Eddie Garcia, the Chief of Police in Dallas, delve into the nuances surrounding domestic violence during the pandemic. They discuss how initial fears of a spike in intimate-partner assaults were complicated by varying data and reporting challenges. Miller highlights the role of legislative changes and the significance of accurate data, while Garcia shares insights on policing strategies and community engagement. Together, they unravel the realities and misconceptions fueling the conversation on domestic violence in these unprecedented times.

Alexandra Horowitz, a dog-cognition expert and author of "Inside of a Dog," teams up with Tejal Rao, a New York Times restaurant critic known for her sensory-driven food writing. They explore the fascinating interplay between dogs and humans, highlighting how dogs perceive the world through smell. The discussion includes the impactful roles of conservation canines in wildlife research and the emotional ties between memory and scent, both humorous and poignant. The new segment 'Off Leash' invites listeners to embrace curiosity in understanding canine behavior.

D. Wayne Edwards, a talented shoe designer and founder of the Pensole Footwear Design Academy, dives into the evolving landscape of college education. He discusses the alarming decline in male enrollment and the systemic challenges affecting young men. The conversation highlights the disparities in K-12 education, the rising prominence of women in colleges, and the need for a shift towards skills-based learning. Edwards advocates for innovative models that connect education to employment, underscoring the importance of mentorship for aspiring designers.

In this thought-provoking discussion, economist Steve Levitt teams up with legal expert John Donahue and environmental economist Jessica Walpaw Reyes. They unpack the controversial link between legalized abortion and declining crime rates, shedding light on societal implications. The trio critically reflects on the complexities of causation versus correlation, the importance of access to abortion for marginalized communities, and the environmental factors influencing crime. Their insights spark a broader conversation on child welfare and the future of education.

Chris Paxson, an economist and president of Brown University, offers a spirited defense of higher education amidst rising criticisms. She discusses the declining enrollment rates, particularly the challenges faced by mid-tier universities. The conversation delves into the interplay of college costs and societal expectations, while emphasizing initiatives that help lower-income students. Paxson also addresses the impact of COVID-19 on learning dynamics and the growing gender gap in college enrollment, raising intriguing questions about the future of education.

Peter Blair, an economist at Harvard University with a physics background, dives into the complexities of elite college admissions. He discusses the paradox of high demand for top universities paired with limited spots, exploring the societal implications and systemic privilege inherent in the process. Further, he examines the dual role of college degrees as social signals versus educational achievements, and how this perpetuates credential inflation. The conversation also touches on the changing landscape of higher education amidst growing skepticism and financial pressures.

Ruth Simmons, the first Black president of an Ivy League school and former head of Prairie View A&M University, dives deep into the evolving purpose of higher education. She discusses the intricate balance between accessibility and prestige within U.S. colleges, shedding light on the unique contributions of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The conversation also highlights how varied educational paths can lead to success, challenging the traditional views on what it means to achieve in today's system.